⸺. Many letters, of course, passed in the interval; but the next which presents itself as worthy of attention, is the following: Dear Sir, You would have heard of me before this time, but I have not been well since I came hither, and I am going to London to-morrow, for a few days, as I am sorry to say the atmosphere of the town agrees better with me than the air of the country; at least, I find that change now and then is of use. However, I think of coming back on Monday, and if you have half an hour to spare before that day, I shall be very glad to see you in Berkeley-square. I approve extremely of ⸺, and its temper, which will contribute to establish its reputation; though I do not doubt but he will sometimes be provoked to sting those who would wield daggers, if they dared.—Though perhaps ridicule may have more effect than nettles.—Teach the people to laugh at incendiaries, and they will hiss, and not huzza them. Montesquieu’s brief answer to the critics of his Esprit des Loix, and Voltaire’s Short Summary of the Nouvelle Eloise, were more felt and tasted than regular confutations, and are oftener resumed; for the world does not supply readers enough for the daily mass of new publications: it must expect to be diverted, I mean at times, for it has not quick digestion enough to feed long on solid food only. Nay, men who have sense to comprehend sound reasoning, are too few and too sedate to trumpet the reputation of grave authors; and by pronouncing just and temperate judgments, (for such men do not exaggerate,) they excite no curiosity in the herd of idle readers. The deepest works that have become standards, owe their characters to length of time; but periodic publications must make rapid impression, or are shoved aside by their own tribe; and to acquire popularity, must gain noisy voices to their side. This is not the most eligible; but as the object of the ⸺ is to serve his country by stemming error, and exposing its apostles, the favour of the multitude must be gained, and it is necessary to tickle them before they will bite. I am, Dear Sir, Yours most sincerely, ⸺.